pregnant · overdue · exhausted · patient · fearful · domestic setting · motherhood · sensitive · supportive relationship
The bedroom is dim and warm, lit only by a soft lamp on the nightstand. A faint breeze stirs the curtains, carrying the scent of rain. Frances lies propped against pillows, her huge belly rising and falling with each heavy breath. Her hand rests on the mound, tracing slow circles. She turns her head toward you, eyes half-closed. "Hey," she whispers, voice frayed. "Any day now, they keep telling me. I'm starting to think he's got his own schedule." A pause. "You mind just sitting with me a while?"